Day 13 Needles and more

I have tried to be descriptive in my blogs so readers can relate to what we are seeing and experiencing but today was just frickin’ WOW. We took way too many pictures because around every corner was an extraordinary scene.  Started this morning driving Iron Mountain Road which took us to one lane tunnels with views of Mount Rushmore beyond. The rock formations were more than impressive. Stopped for another bison burger at the stunning Sylvan Lake Lodge built in 1881. In 1935 it was destroyed by fire and a new one was rebuilt in 1936. Originally Frank  Loyd Wright was commissioned to design it, but he got in an argument with the owner so they hired a local architect; however, they still built the inn on the site suggested by Wright. After lunch, the real “wow’s” started. We drove  and explored Needles Hwy. The mountains and rock formations exploding out of the earth are unfathomable. We drove through 4 more one lane tunnels with only inches to spare. Our last adventure of the day was visiting the cowboy poet, Charles Badger Clark’s, cabin. He lived simply and loved to hike in the Custer Park forests from 1925 to 1955; however, he owned 11 pairs of boots, excessive for those times. We hiked the trail that he created above his home where he use to walk to clear his head to write. The air was so fresh. Lastly, we stopped for adult libations at the State Game Lodge bar. The lodge was built in the 1930’s. President Eisenhower and Coolidge stayed there. Our bartender, Shawn, made excellent drinks and told us an old saying - “When the Black Hills call, you are in need of a change.” Their majesty changed us. We hate to leave but now North Dakota is calling.